3 Japanese Ways to Refinish Wood Furniture

If all of the above sounds a little above your skill level, the Japanese had devised lacquering techniques that are both easy and effective at giving any woodworking project a professional finish. The majority of woodworking projects will be finished with lacquer or paint.

As for those attempting projects such as a wine rack or chopping board, leaving the grain untreated is usually the preferred option. These lacquer techniques may be used to add a final touch to your item and conceal minor faults made during the planning process.

Kijiro Lacquering

This is a fundamental finishing process that entails coating the completed wooden product with a clear lacquer. This is a traditional process that entails processes such as ‘filtering raw lacquer along with the linen cloths and squeezing the liquid into a basin.’

While the early procedures are more conventional in nature, the subsequent procedures employ a whetstone to work as a polisher to smooth any niggles and spots out in the woodwork item and to emphasize the grain prior to buffing.

Kamakura-Bori Lacquering

This method takes its name from Kamakura, a city in Japan toward the end of the eleventh century that was a center for Buddhism. This method entails carving an image into the product, which is traditionally a Japanese flower or botanical. Then, they start applying a unique finish consisting of several layers of lacquer that have been worked up to a significant thickness and then decreased.

Fuki Urushi Lacquering

Another technique for lacquering woodwork items, Fuki-Urishi, entails continuously putting a clear lacquer over the object until a thin layer forms. This coat will even out minor divots in the wooden item. It will penetrate deeply into the grain, preventing the lacquer from chipping off. This method is ideal for highlighting an attractive piece of wood like oak or maple by bringing out the wood’s inherent texture and color.

Refinishing Basics

Numerous errors occur as a consequence of rushing into the refinishing process without a clear understanding of what is required in terms of supplies, time, and the right measures to take. With that, here are things you need to keep in mind.

Clean Surface Completely

Prior to refinishing, the surface should be properly cleaned. This alone might save you hours of effort, since occasionally, you may discover that all a furniture piece or a surface needs retouching after cleaning. Clean the surface thoroughly with a wax remover or wood cleaner to examine whether the existing finish can be salvaged.

Keeping the Surface Stripped and Even

When determining whether or not to strip the surface, always fully remove any previous finish or paint. Leaving patches will result in an uneven surface once you begin completing it. Remember to apply enough substance to keep the surface damp when stripping and avoid working in direct sunlight to prevent the wood from drying out. Before sanding, totally remove the finish to prepare the surface for the new finish.

If you do not allow enough time for the stripper to operate, you will need to scrape the old finish off the wood. Before removing it, check to see whether it comes off smoothly. If the previous finish does not peel off readily, let the stripper on longer.

Refrain from Applying Thick Surface Coats

When applying paints or stains on a surface, avoid the urge to apply a large amount all at once. A coat that is applied too thickly will result in an uneven and ugly finish and will not expedite the job. Apply the product and always wait for it to dry completely before applying the second. The directions for the necessary waiting time will be located on your container.

Finish all Pending Furniture Repairs

Before you begin refinishing and immediately after stripping, inspect the surface for any necessary repairs. This should be done before sanding and staining. This will provide a higher-quality finish with fewer repetitions. Moreover, this keeps the process focused and organized, thus saving you time, energy and resources.